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Navigating the Adelaide Fringe as a disabled artist or producer comes with a unique set of challenges, but also an incredible opportunity to shape a more inclusive arts landscape. In this session, industry experts and artists share their lived experiences and practical strategies for making shows more accessible—not just for the audience, but for the performers themselves.

Contents

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The Artist’s Perspective: Authenticity and Access

For many disabled artists, storytelling is an inherent act of advocacy. Whether explicitly discussing a diagnosis or simply creating from a unique neurodivergent lens, the work naturally reflects their perspective. As artist Yoz notes, "The people who get it, get it." Even when autism isn't the stated subject of a show, the structure and metaphors often resonate deeply with neurodivergent audiences, creating a space where they feel "seen" without the need for clinical labels.

However, there is a fine balance between making a show accessible for the audience and ensuring it remains accessible for the performer. Selena Mersey highlights a vital truth: "It is completely impossible to make something that is accessible to everyone, because what is accessible for one person makes it inaccessible for another." The priority must be the performer's ability to actually do the show. If a Relaxed Performance stresses the artist out due to sensory changes, it ceases to be a supportive environment. The key is to understand your own needs first, then layer on audience accessibility where possible.

Managing the Fringe Grind: DIY Pressures

The Adelaide Fringe is notoriously fast-paced. For independent artists, the "DIY" nature of the festival means balancing roles as writer, performer, producer, and marketing manager. For disabled artists, this "not-so-human amount" of work can quickly lead to burnout. The time pressure of short turnarounds in venues and the sensory overload of the Garden of Unearthly Delights or Gluttony can be significant barriers.

A proposed solution from the panel is the idea of "producer advocates" or support-for-hire. Having someone to help "info dump" a show’s requirements and check off the logistics can prevent the internalization of failure that often comes with missed deadlines. Community connection is also vital; Adelaide is a city built on relationships, and reaching out to the Artist and Venue Team or peer groups like Access2Arts can provide a much-needed safety net during the festival's frantic peak.

The Power of the Access Rider

One of the most practical tools discussed is the Access Rider. This is a living document that outlines exactly what an artist needs to perform at their best. While it can feel "diva-ish" to ask for specific conditions, Max Ray and Selena Mersey emphasize that this is simply self-care and professional advocacy. An access rider doesn't necessarily need to disclose a specific disability; it focuses on the environment required for success.

Common requirements in an access rider might include:

  • Ensuring the venue is air-conditioned (especially critical in the 40-degree Adelaide heat).
  • Requesting that staff do not talk over each other during technical rehearsals.
  • Access to a quiet space for winding down between shows.
  • The ability to wear sensory-friendly gear, like tinted glasses or noise-canceling headphones, during prep.

By normalizing these requests, artists move the conversation from "asking for favors" to "defining professional requirements."

Key Takeaways

  • Prioritise Yourself First: You cannot provide an accessible experience for an audience if you are burnt out or overwhelmed. Your needs are the foundation of the show.
  • Accessibility Benefits Everyone: Measures like relaxed performances, clear signage, and air conditioning improve the experience for able-bodied and neurotypical patrons as much as they do for disabled ones.
  • The Deadline is the Motivation: Don't wait until a show is "perfect" or "fully accessible" to apply. Use the Fringe deadline as the catalyst to start the conversation with venues and teams.
  • Community is Support: You are not alone in the DIY struggle. Connecting with other disabled artists helps build a "secret community" of shared knowledge and resources.

Actionable Tips

  • Create an Access Rider: Draft a simple document listing your "must-haves" (e.g., food, water, sleep, specific lighting) and your "nice-to-haves." Present this to your venue manager early.
  • Schedule De-stress Time: Block out non-negotiable "dark time" in your Fringe calendar where you are not seeing shows or networking, specifically to recover from sensory overload.
  • Use the Sunflower Lanyard: If you have a hidden disability, consider wearing a Sunflower Lanyard to signal to staff and fellow artists that you may need additional support or patience.
  • Communicate with the Honey Pot Team: If you are looking to take your show further, engage with the Honey Pot Team to discuss specific industry supports available for disabled creators.
  • Check Your Venue’s "Basics": Don't assume accessibility. Ask direct questions about air conditioning, stairs, and quiet zones before you sign your venue contract.

Additional Resources

For support with accessibility, advocacy, or navigating the festival as a disabled artist, please contact the following departments: